Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 5, 2022

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

23 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As the weather gets colder and brings us back indoors, I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant, be sure to use the tools that are available to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Take advantage of the vaccine by staying up to date on doses. Test before gatherings or travel and if you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for anyone age 12 or older and from Moderna for those 18 or older. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.

In addition, Governor Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season approaches. The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may simultaneously spread this fall and winter, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.

For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 22.78
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 21.15
• Test Results Reported - 58,923
• Total Positive - 4,451
• Percent Positive - 7.30%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.97%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,392 (+26)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 421
• Patients in ICU - 230 (-18)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 83 (-4)
• Total Discharges - 347,409 (+360)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 23
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 58,215

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 74,363

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Sunday,   October   2, 2022	Monday,   October   3, 2022	Tuesday,   October   4, 2022
Bronx	5.50%	5.62%	5.69%
Kings	3.92%	4.31%	4.55%
New York	5.49%	5.48%	5.45%
Queens	6.20%	6.20%	6.12%
Richmond	8.09%	8.24%	8.26%

Two Georgia Residents Plead Guilty To Firearms Trafficking

 

Xavier Simms and Bryce Martin Trafficked Firearms from Georgia to New York With a Third Co-Conspirator Who Shot and Critically Wounded an FBI Task Force Officer When Law Enforcement Attempted to Interdict

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that XAVIER SIMMS and BRYCE MARTIN pled guilty to trafficking firearms from Georgia to New York and conspiring to do the same.  SIMMS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern, and MARTIN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Today, Xavier Simms and Bryce Martin admitted to trafficking guns from Georgia to New York.  Their actions contributed to the flow of illegal guns into New York, which too often results in gun violence in our communities.  Today’s pleas reflect the commitment of this Office and our law enforcement partners to rid our streets of illegal guns and to prosecute gun traffickers to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the Complaint, Information against each defendant, and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:

On April 20, 2022, members of the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and the City of Yonkers Police Department were investigating illegal firearms activity in the vicinity of Elm and Linden streets in Yonkers, New York.  During the course of their investigation, they attempted to interdict members of the conspiracy, including XAVIER SIMMS, BRYCE MARTIN, and a third co-conspirator (“CC-1”).  When law enforcement officers approached SIMMS, MARTIN, and CC-1 at a Yonkers deli, CC-1 shot and critically wounded an FBI Task Force Officer at close range.  After that, an FBI Special Agent fired his gun at CC-1 and fatally wounded CC-1.

Law enforcement officers recovered four firearms in total from SIMMS, MARTIN, and CC-1 at the Yonkers deli, including a “Ghost Gun” — a type of firearm that is designed to evade law enforcement detection.

SIMMS and MARTIN had previously traveled together with CC-1 from Georgia to New York, arriving in Yonkers on or about April 19, 2022, with multiple firearms to sell.  Evidence recovered from their cellphones showed that SIMMS and MARTIN both had access to specialized firearms, including machinegun-style weapons.  Once in Yonkers, SIMMS, MARTIN, and CC-1 met with another individual (“Individual-1”) who received from them at least five firearms to sell on consignment.

SIMMS, 22, of Covington, Georgia, and MARTIN, 23, of Hampton, Georgia, each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of firearms trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A) and 924(a)(1), which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

SIMMS is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20, 2023.  MARTIN is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2023.

The statutory maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Yonkers Police Department.  He also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the investigation.

In Celebration of HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, The NYC HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in partnership with THE NEW TERMINAL ONE JFK brings October’s Information session

The 161st Street Business Improvement District Congratulates Aaron Judge - The New American League Single-Season Home Run King

 

The 161st Street Business Improvement District (BID) would like to congratulate Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for becoming the American League single-season home run king. Judge hit his 62nd home run in second game of a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers last night surpassing another Yankee Slugger Roger Maris. The Yankees have one final regular season game against the Rangers this afternoon before they prepare for the American League Division Series next Tuesday, October 11. 

For the first home playoff game at Yankee Stadium, the 161st Street BID will be welcoming Aaron Judge back to the Bronx and Yankee fans to the district with a performance from the brass band the Underground Horns. The Underground Horns will be performing in front of the McDonald’s (East 161st Street) across from Yankee Stadium 90 minutes before the game on October 11 (time TBD). In addition to music, the BID will be working with mural artist Andre Trenier for a Yankees mural unveiling the morning of October 11 at Ballpark Sports Shop (850 River Ave).



About the 161st Street Business Improvement District:

Founded as the Capitol District Management Association in 2009, the 161st Street Business Improvement District (BID) was created to provide a vibrant commercial district and improve the quality of life for those who live, work, visit and shop on 161st Street in the Bronx. The 161st Street BID aims to keep the streets clean, promote commerce and enrich the area through special events and cultural projects. The BID is in the heart of the Bronx Capitol District, located on and around 161st street in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. In addition to Yankee Stadium, the district contains many municipal buildings, recreation sites, community organizations, unique shops, restaurants and services. To learn more about the 161st Street BID and stay up-to-date on all happenings in the area, make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Permits Filed For 52 West 176th Street In Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 52 West 176th Street in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Located between Macombs Road and Grand Avenue, the lot is two blocks from the 176th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Herman Jakob under the West St. Gardens LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 57-foot-tall development will yield 11,197 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 447 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse, cellar, and a 34-foot-long rear yard.

Sander Williams Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Trafficker-Quantities of “Rainbow Fentanyl” Arrive in New York

 

Approximately 15,000 candy-colored fentanyl pills seized in Manhattan 

One person was arrested and approximately 15,000 fentanyl pills were seized as part of an ongoing investigation into a fentanyl trafficking organization. The fentanyl pills, in various colors, were destined for distribution throughout New York City and had been concealed in a LEGO box to deter law enforcement attention. The fentanyl pills were also imprinted with “M” and “30” to resemble “30 M”, Oxycodone Hydrochloride 30 mg pills. 

This significant seizure, the largest to date in New York City, signals more widespread distribution of these dangerous colorful pills. The case highlights Mexican cartels’ most recent tactics to attract the public while deceiving them about the lethal drugs. The Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel are mass-producing fentanyl pills in rainbow colors to not only brand their products, but use colors and dyes to mimic candy and/or legitimate prescription drugs.

Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division, Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen announced the seizure and arrest following the arraignment of Latesha BUSH. 

“Rainbow fentanyl is a clear and present danger and it is here in New York City,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Approximately forty percent of the pills we analyze in our lab contain a lethal dose; and in a recent 15-week enforcement operation, DEA New York seized half a million lethal pills. These staggering statistics underscore the importance of reminding the public that just one pill can kill; and this operation alone removed the equivalent of 500,000 lethal doses of  fentanyl from circulation in the Empire State. In the same reporting period, DEA seized the equivalent of over 36 million lethal doses nationally.” 

NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “Using happy colors to make a deadly drug seem fun and harmless is a new low, even for the Mexican cartels. Fentanyl is already involved in more than 80% of overdose deaths in the city. If you take any drug sold on the street or through the internet, regardless of its medicinal markings or festive appearance, you risk your life. My office and our partners are committed to intercepting lethal fentanyl and ensuring that these rainbow-colored pills don’t lead more people down a sad path of substance use and overdose death.

“Disguising fentanyl as candy – and concealing it in children’s toys – will never hide the fact that fentanyl is a deadly poison that harms our communities, our families, and our city,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The criminal complaint unsealed today is another example of the NYPD’s relentless commitment to never stop working to rid New York City of illegal drugs and I want to thank the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the DEA New York Division, the New York State Police, and everyone else involved in this case for their exceptional work.”

A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges BUSH, of Trenton, N.J., with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees. BUSH was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Friday, September 30, 2022. Bail was set at $25,000 cash/$150,000 insurance company bond/$100,000 partially secured surety bond. 

The investigation was conducted by DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-12, which is comprised of agents and officers with DEA New York Division and the New York City Police Department. SNP’s Investigators Unit assisted in the investigation. 

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at approximately 7:11 p.m., members of NYDETF Group T-12 were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking when they allegedly observed BUSH carrying what appeared to be a black tote bag wrapped around a large object as she entered a vehicle in front of 475 10th Avenue in Manhattan. 

Upon stopping the vehicle, agents and officers allegedly found BUSH in the rear seat, with two black tote bags and a yellow LEGO container also in the rear seat. Inside the LEGO container were several brick-shaped packages covered in black tape lying next to LEGO blocks. The black tape covering one of the packages had been partially opened, exposing multi-colored pills inside. A subsequent examination of the packages revealed they contained approximately 15,000 pills. 

During the investigation, agents and officers learned that just prior to the arrest, BUSH had travelled from New Jersey to the vicinity of 475 10th Avenue in a rental car. Agents and officers also learned that the multi-colored fentanyl pills allegedly originated in Mexico.

DEA laboratory analysis of the narcotics seized in New York is pending. Preliminary testing indicated the presence of fentanyl. 

Last week the DEA announced the results of the third phase of the One Pill Can Kill initiative focused on combatting the fake pill threat which led to the seizure of more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder during the period of May 23 through Sept. 8, 2022. The amount of fentanyl taken off the streets during this surge is equivalent to more than 36 million lethal doses removed from the illegal drug supply. Additionally, 338 weapons were seized, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and hand grenades. There were 390 cases investigated during this period, 51 cases are linked to overdose poisonings and 35 cases link directly to one or both of the primary Mexican cartels responsible for the majority of fentanyl in the United States – the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In addition, 129 investigations are linked to social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and TikTok.  

Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino thanked the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and Investigators Unit and Group T-12 of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Defendant                                 Charges 

Latesha Bush Trenton, N.J.    CPCS 1st – 1 ct 

Age: 48                                     CPCS 3rd – 1 ct 

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty